Morphic - Creative Clothing

www.morphic.co.nz
facebook.com/MorphicClothing
twitter.com/MorphicClothing
Physical Address:  New Brighton beach, Christchurch
Operating Since:  2006

Ray Singer & Halee Moss

What are you all about?  
Colour and creativity.  Nature and natural NZ made fabrics.  Sustainability.  Keeping it made in New Zealand.  Personal freedom and choice.  Expression.  Making top quality clothing.




Who makes your clothes?  
Morphic garments inspired, designed, created and crafted by Ray and I at our studio by the beach.  We have a lovely friend Jill who helps sew some of our clothing range from her home.  We've recently made a short film showing how we make each garment.  Come see it on the information page of our website.


Who sells your clothes?  Ray and I personally at the Arts Centre Market in Christchurch every Saturday and Sunday, when the weather is fine.  Here people can play dress-up, buy off the rack or place an order for a custom fitted garment in their choice of colours and print.


Can we buy them online?  Yes. We sell our clothing online and specialise in offering a custom service to our customers.


What price range are your clothes in?  Our prices reflect the amount of effort and materials used in each piece.  We have a variety of styles and options to suit different budgets, starting with our merino hoodies for $120.


Why do you think NZ clothing labels outsource their manufacturing overseas?
Mainly because they want to increase profit and they see getting cheap labour overseas as a way to do this.  This doesn't always work as people are becoming more interested in spending their money on ethically created products and would prefer to support homegrown companies.


Anything to add?  We get so much joy in seeing someone put on a garment we've made and look put at the world with confidence, knowing they look amazing.  It's magic!

Deryn Schmidt

www.derynschmidt.co.nz
facebook.com/DerynSchmidt
twitter.com/DerynSchmidt
Physical Address:  Workroom/Home is in Whitby, Porirua.
Operating Since:  This is a brand new label, having started the business in October 2009, with my debut range for Spring - Summer 2010 titled "Growth" in stores now.

Deryn, Millicent and Carl

What are you all about?  
What kind of clothes do you make?
After more than ten years in the industry, working my way up the fashion ladder for a number of designers both here in NZ and England, I am now turning a childhood dream into reality with the launch of my very own label. I am all about producing 100% NZ-made collections of high fashion women's wear; utilising the talents of some very skilled local individuals along with highly regarded NZ manufacturers to ensure my high standards are met.  I also have an established preference for selecting natural fibres to design with, which assist me in creating quality garments that not only look great but feel great too.


Who makes your clothes?
The current range is almost entirely made locally in the greater Wellington region; split between myself and some very talented outworkers, including a great local manufacturer. I also use a manufacturer in Auckland, and plan to utilise another in Nelson as production increases.


Who sells your clothes?  Can we buy them online?
We are stocked at some lovely boutiques around NZ, with a Christchurch store to be announce for Autumn-Winter 2011.  We do not currently operate an online shop but please feel free to contact us via the website, or email info@derynschmidt.co.nz.


What price range are your clothes in?
Mid-Upper price range for high end garments designed and made to very high standards from quality fabrics.


Why do you think NZ clothing labels outsource their manufacturing overseas?
The most obvious reason is to make more money by reducing costs and increasing margins; with another being around the ability to manufacture in large quantities, often from just one factory offering a one-stop shop.


What could the government do to help clothing labels keep it in NZ?
Honestly, I don't think the government are all that interested in helping & agree with the comments made by Davey Hughes from Swazi Apparel in the November blog.  It really does come down to the priorities/morals of each clothing label; with the demand, or lack of demand, from the consumer also playing an important part in influencing these production decisions.


Let's hope more people start demanding 100% New Zealand made to help stop the current trend of moving production offshore.  


Anything to add?
For us, it is all about supporting New Zealanders like ourselves, to ensure we don't lose the expertise, skills and knowledge available locally.  Sure, it may cost a little more to produce; but to guarantee the quality, retain and create jobs, support the NZ economy, preserve our identity and uniqueness - is that not worth the premium?


Thanks, Angeline, for the opportunity to be a part of your blog and your passion in supporting NZ made!

Cactus Equipment

www.cactusequipment.co.nz
facebook.com/CactusClimbing
twitter.com/cactusclimbing
Physical Address:  90 Fitzgerald Avenue, Christchurch City
Operating Since:  1992

Rob Gray
Guy Nurse (reflected)

What are you all about?  What kind of clothes do you make?
Cactus was born of the outdoor and climbing industry, initially focusing on climbing related products.  It soon became apparent that there were many more uses for the style of durable, practical, locally made products we were producing.
As the company has expanded over the years, a wide range of outdoor equipment and clothing has evolved.  Our popular products include the WK work wear range - lightweight casual right through to heavy-duty industrial garments, packs and bags.


Who makes your clothes?  
We do - in Aotearoa.  Both at our factory in Fitzgerald Ave, Christchurch, and at contract manufacturers.


Who sells your clothes?  Can we buy them online?
Our products are sold through several retail stores, direct through our website, and through a factory showroom store located on site.


What price range are your clothes in?
Our clothes are designed and made in NZ to wear in, not out.  The price of our garments reflects this, and the life of our clothing will far exceed that of similarly priced clothing.  Prices range from $69 to $449.


Why do you think NZ clothing labels outsource their manufacturing overseas?
For a range of reasons, though I'd suspect the most common reason would be to reduce production costs and improve margins.  There is something special about crafting a product on shore and in-house, seeing it go from an idea to a finished product.  Our customers also like the fact that a product can be repaired and/or modified to their needs in-house and on site - all they need to do is ask!


What could the Government do to help clothing labels keep it in NZ?
We don't want to see others penalised for making their gear offshore.  We stand by our product, its price, and the fact that it could be the longest lasting product you'll ever buy.  In offering subsidies to local manufacturers, the Government could give the opportunity for locally made products to compete with imported clothing on pricing, not just quality.


Anything to add?
Choice blog, we value what you are doing, Angeline; and thank you for the opportunity to profile our gear alongside the many other quality products here in Aotearoa.

Swazi Apparel

www.swazi.co.nz
facebook.com/swazinz
twitter.com/SwaziNZ
Physical Address:  94 Oxford Street, Levin
Operating Since:  1994

Davey and Maggie Hughes

What are you all about?  
Creativity.  Innovation.  Social and environmental responsibility.


What kind of clothes do you make? The clothes we create provide solutions for people who work and play in the outdoors.


Who makes your clothes?
We make the clothes at our world headquarters in Levin.


Who sells your clothes?  Can we buy them online?
All our clothing can be purchased online or through RD1 stores nationwide.  They are also available from the legendary Haddad brothers in Otorohanga, as well as Hamills in Palmerston North and Christchurch.


What price range are your clothes in?
From expensive to freekin' expensive!  There's no such thing as cheap in high performance.  We design and personally test our gear in some of the harshest environments on the planet.  From the -100°C windchill we experienced in Siberia to the frigid fjords of Svalbard, Swazi gear is proven or we simply don't produce it.  It is practical and durable and we stand behind it 100%.


Why do you think NZ clothing labels outsource their manufacturing overseas?
Personally?  Greed.
This current world economy is based on one thing, MORE for LESS; driven by super-consumptive concepts.  I don't see it changing in the short term. Which doesn't mean everyone has to follow suit.  I want to craft the finest products.  I want to walk into work and hear staff singing because they are genuinely happy.  They have self-esteem; jobs that matter.  Lives that are full.  I want my customers to know that when they buy Swazi, they are making an investment in society.  Contributing to conservation projects that count; keeping good people employed.


Our company obviously has to make a profit but there are much bigger things than merely enhancing our bottom line.  Building a better world, showing respect and taking social responsibility seriously - you know, all the things we try to teach our children then conveniently forget as we grow older!  Of course, this makes me a naive simpleton in many people's eyes.  Again, personally?  What a compliment!


What could the Government do to help clothing labels keep it in NZ?
Nothing.  I don't want to sound like a pessimist but it is People who will ultimately make this decision, not government.  One thing I have learnt is subsequent governments are not actually interested in people.  Yes, a touch sad, but true nonetheless.  What is even more sad is, they seem to lack any pride in our nation.  


Imagine this!  Imagine if the government had to treat your company the same way you treated your staff.  How cool would that be?  Imagine if we started to think about NZers first?  Stopped selling jobs overseas for small favours to large countries.  Stopped selling those large countries our farms.  Stopped knighting importers.  I'd better stop right there because I'm sounding a little bit too much of a political activist and not a clothing manufacturer!


Anything to add?
Life is what you make it.  Be positive.  Be accepting.  Most of all, have fun!
He tangata.  He tangata.  He tangata.
It is People.  It is People.  It is People.

Jacinta Fitzgerald

www.jacintafitzgerald.com

facebook.com/JacintaFitzGeraldBoutique
twitter.com/JacintaFtzGerld

Physical Address:  Mount Maunganui
Operating Since:  2008

What are you all about?  
What kind of clothes do you make?
Pretty feminine clothes for the contemporary woman, flattering and fun;  yet can also be structured and edgy.


Who makes your clothes?
Various factories, and sewers working at home, in Tauranga and Auckland.


Who sells your clothes?  Can we buy them online?
Available at selected boutiques around NZ, with 5 new stores coming on board for winter 2011.  To buy online, check out our website and email us with your request.  An online boutique will be available soon... watch this space.


What price range are your clothes in?
Mid to high end womenswear.  Dresses range from $199 - $399.


Why do you think NZ clothing labels outsource their manufacturing overseas?
Every brand that manufactures offshore would have a different reason for doing so - from price competitiveness to manufacturing quantities too large to produce here to manufacturing techniques that are not available in NZ.  Competing on price would definitely be one of the main ones.


What could the Government do to help clothing labels keep it in NZ?
Encourage and support the clothing manufacturing sector in NZ.  Perhaps with incentives to encourage young people into the trade side of the business.  


We also need to educate the public about supporting local industry and buying NZ-made garments.  More expensive but also more exclusive, a better quality (usually) and something that has a chain of benefits right down the line; from the designer to the sewer to the presser to the delivery company.  It's all about supporting the local NZ industry and economy so that it grows for the benefit of all us.

Shikoba

www.shikobaclothing.co.nz
facebook.com/shikoba
twitter.com/shikobaclothing
Physical Address:  Forest Lake, Hamilton
Operating Since:  2006

Aroha Wikotu

What are you all about?  What kind of clothes do you make?  
NZ nature inspired, NZ made.  Unique, stylish flattering clothing.


Who makes your clothes?  My clothes are made by a local outworker in Hamilton & I make a few as well.

 Who sells your clothes?  Can we buy them online?  
You can buy Shikoba in small exclusive design stores throughout NZ & yes, they are available online on the website.


What price range are your clothes in?  From $100 - $300.


Why do you think NZ clothing labels outsource their manufacturing overseas?
They get to a point where it's a cheaper option and will increase their profits.


What could the Government do to help clothing labels keep it in NZ?
Help grow the market for our NZ made product both here and overseas.


Anything to add?  Even though you initially pay more for a better quality product, you end up saving long term by its life span.

chalkydigits

www.chalkydigits.co.nz
facebook.com/chalkydigits
twitter.com/chalkydigits
Physical Address:  Ferrymead, Christchurch
Operating Since:  2000 - ten years this summer, so we are going to celebrate by surprising our customers with some special birthday treats before Xmas.

Teresa, Zest and Liz 

What are you are all about?  What kind of clothes do you make?
chalkydigits designs and produces high-quality lifestyle clothing.  We call it lifestyle because we aim to have all your bases covered with our range of styles;  we have your sporty, outdoor clothing like our Crank N Climb Shorts and we have your everyday clothing like our comfy but cool skirts but then we also cater for your evenings, with some snappier outfits of super-sexy dresses!  We pride ourselves on the striking graphic elements of our clothing, which are quirky and relevant to Kiwi culture and we often commission local artists to contribute designs for our ranges.  This keeps our gear fresh and interesting and showcases some of the extraordinary artistic talent we have in NZ.


It's also really important to us that we are keeping our carbon footprint in check, so we are committed to using organic cotton where we can and homegrown, ethically produced merino is one of our favourite fibres.  This is also one of the primary reasons that we keep production in New Zealand, along with maintaining strict quality control, paying fair wages to our manufacturers and keeping jobs and skills in NZ for future security.  We are also in the privileged position of being able to give something back to the environment, which is why we initiated the restoration of the vulnerable South Island robin to Chalky Island and have some other exciting conservation projects in the pipeline.  We are first and foremost a values-based company and the values outlined above are the glue that binds chalkydigits together and cements us as a pioneering force in Kiwi design and culture.


Who makes your clothes?  
Various CMT factories in Christchurch.


Who sells your clothes?  Can we buy them online?
We have over 60 stockists in New Zealand and some of those sell our gear online.


What price range are your clothes in?
Because they are made here in the highest quality fabric we can source, they are not cheap, but they are value-for-money and should last a long time.


Why do you think NZ clothing labels outsource their manufacturing overseas?
To make more money, but this only works if you mass-manufacture your lines and we prefer limited edition styles so all your friends aren't wearing the same thing.


What could the Government do to help clothing labels keep it in NZ?
Restrict the amount of low-quality and exploitative clothing we import.  Currently cheap and nasty fashion floods the market, buy it this season and throw it out the next.  We deplore consumerism for consumers sake and throw-away society.  The government could also re-instate some of the BUY NZ MADE campaign funding they cut when they came into power.


Anything to add?
We are excitedly watching the increase of 'conscious consumerism' as more and more people awaken to the global environmental pickle we have got ourselves in, and they are now realising that every dollar they spend is effectively a vote for what they believe in.  At chalkydigits, we can't wait to see what the next ten years brings!

Thunderpants / Thrive

www.thunderpants.co.nz
facebook.com/thunderpantsnz
facebook.com/thriveclothingnz
Physical Address:  8 Kitchener Street, Martinborough    
Operating Since:  1996    

Josie and Sophie
Prime Minister and Minister of the Arts

What are you all about?  Thunderpants is our undie label and Thrive is our outer wear label.  We operate both labels in the same fashion which is to provide comfortable but groovy clothing for people who have busy lives but want to remain stylish.  We firmly believe in sustainability and do so by creating garments that are fashion forward without being trendy so that they can be worn for seasons to come.  Being ethical and operating ethically is also important to us; slow, sustainable growth, supporting our local economy, and as a huge plus our Thunderpants have just gone organic!


Who makes your clothes?  SS Clothing 20 minutes up the road in Carterton, Wairarapa; a great team of women who make Thunderpants and Thrive possible.


Who sells your clothing?  Can we buy them online?
We do, at our shop Thrive in Martinborough at 8 Kitchener Street or online.  Also check out our stockists on the website - there are over 100 Thunderpants stockists and over 25 Thrive Clothing stockists.


What price range are your clothes in?  Undies are going up to $28 a pair from $25 because of GST and going organic; but if you buy directly through us, we offer a 3 for $69 deal.  Thrive clothing ranges approximately from $100 to $300, depending on the item.


Why do you think NZ clothing labels outsource their manufacturing overseas?
Cost, profitability and viability.  It's expensive to manufacture in NZ, there's a lot of competition out there for similar quality garments that are produced offshore.  Also, I think it's more difficult for larger companies as there isn't the production facilities here like there once was.  Because of the loss of production facilities, there has been a loss of skills and thus not much left for large scale manufacturing.  Production happens at the same time in NZ so the queue to get into manufacture can be a hassle and cause late deliveries.  We, in some ways, are lucky because we'd like to remain small, which gives us a bit of room to manoeuver but can also be a hindrance as we don't have the economy of scale and buying power when it comes to fabrics and other apparel accessories.


What could the Government do to help clothing labels keep it in NZ?
Encourage business growth within NZ and offer support to small business.  Also support the production and export of value added items instead of raw materials.  Greater education about supporting local business and economy.  Financial incentives to stay NZ made, increase tariffs on imported products that compete with NZ made products.  Make higher education affordable and encourage young people to stay in NZ.  Value workers with technical skills.  Promote ethical business practices...


Anything to add?  Before long, and it's happening already, underpaid workers in offshore areas like China and India will soon demand fair wages & the financial benefit for going offshore will be negated which will leave NZ without a skilled workforce in all industries.

Krank Dirtwear

www.krankdirtwear.com

Physical Address:  18 Conical Hill Road, Hamner Springs
Operating since:  May 2005

Neil Ellis of Krank Dirtwear

What are you all about?
Keeping things quality, NZ-made and functional.
Track building, riding and racing.  (My wife Katy is the racer.)




Who makes your clothes?
We use two of New Zealand's best manufacturers; doing this means we can guarantee our gear 100%!!


Who sells your clothes?  Can we buy them online?
We sell them online and we have 2 retail outlets: the first being Basic Bikes (148 Colombo Street, Beckenham, Christchurch) and the other being our bike rental and repair shop (18 Conical Hill Road, Hamner Springs).


What price range are your clothes in?
Our clothes are in the $80 to $190 bracket.


Why do you think NZ clothing labels outsource their manufacturing overseas?
Margins and survival.


What could the Government do to help clothing labels keep it in NZ?
Put higher tariffs and duties on imported goods.  It's as simple as that; if the imported stuff costs more, people will keep buying NZ-made.  At the moment, we make a third of what we could make if the clothes were made offshore.  We are prepared to do this but it's not good business sense.


Anything to add?
Please buy NZ-made before it's too late.